Description:

Native American / First Nations, Northwestern United States, Alaska, or Canada, Inuit culture, ca. mid-20th century CE. A traditional harpoon or spear shaft made from a straight length of cedarwood, fitted at both ends with walrus ivory components. One end features a heavy ivory piece, tightly secured with sinew cord wrapping, while the opposite end has a socket, and a small ivory point is inserted here, but this is likely a later addition serving to illustrate where a detachable harpoon head would have originally been placed. A sinew cord is attached along the length of the shaft is looped through an ivory toggle at midsection. Size: 62" L x 1.5" W (157.5 cm x 3.8 cm)

This item is made of or contains walrus ivory. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Alaska Natives are permitted to harvest marine mammals for subsistence purposes and to create and sell authentic Native handicrafts, which may include materials such as whale and walrus ivory. This piece qualifies as an ESA-exempt item. Due to strict federal and state regulations concerning the sale and transport of ivory, this item cannot be shipped internationally or to residents of the following U.S. states: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Buyers are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the ownership, trade, or resale of ivory-containing items. While we guarantee that this object meets the U.S. Federal criteria for an ESA antique or Native exemption, we strongly encourage buyers to consult their local authorities to ensure lawful acquisition and possession in their specific jurisdiction.

Provenance: private El Dorado Hills, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#194999

  • Condition: Small ivory inserted on one end is probably not original and the barbed head / or blade is missing. Wear and patina to the wood with chips to socket end. Tear to cord at this end as well.

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July 25, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000